Islamabad, Aug 15, 2025: Pakistan second-hand clothing imports reached a record 1.137 million tonnes worth $511 million in the last fiscal year, surpassing FY24’s 990,266 tonnes ($434 million). The rise highlights growing demand for affordable clothing as millions face worsening poverty.
Nearly 45% of Pakistan’s population now lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. With the poverty threshold raised to $4.20 per person per day, low- and middle-income families increasingly depend on landa bazaars and flea markets for essential clothing.
Muhammad Usman Farooqui, General Secretary of the Pakistan Second-Hand Clothing Merchants Association (PSHCMA), says the surge is linked to rising poverty. He urged the government to cut taxes and duties, currently 10% regulatory, 5% customs, 6% advance income tax, and 5% sales tax, which make these imports less affordable. The Finance Bill 2024 further complicates compliance by requiring importers to act as withholding agents, collecting advance tax up to 2.5%.
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Used clothing mostly comes from Europe, the USA, Japan, Korea, China, and Canada. Around 60-70% is sorted in special zones for re-export, while only 10-20% is sold locally. Import duties are Rs. 36 per kg for clothes and Rs. 66 per kg for shoes.
Market surveys show imported jeans cost Rs. 300-400, shirts Rs. 250-300, while new sports shoes range from Rs. 2,500-5,500. Used sports shoes sell for Rs. 600-800, offering a crucial, affordable option for low-income families. Reducing taxes could make these necessities more accessible across Pakistan.
